What you need to know about safe boating

Boating could be dangerous if you’re not following the rules

Because of the tragic event that recently happened in which 3 men lost their lives, including the Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, we thought to present you some useful and important tips for safety boating.

No matter how experienced you are, following the safety rules can save your life one day and they can also prevent boat accidents.

1. Take a boating safety course

   Boating education requirements may vary from state to state. Regardless what your state requirements are, it’s always a good idea to follow a boating safety course. This way you’ll be prepared for everything that could happen when you are on the boat. You have lots of possibilities available, from local community courses to online courses.

2. Learn how to swim

   Being in the water and around it, you must know how to swim. Swimming is part of the safety rules list. So if you are a boat owner and you don’t know how to swim, now is the best time to learn. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross offer training for all ages and abilities.

3. Avoid alcohol or other substances that alter your consciousness

   Statistics showed that when you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, the probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles. So next time, choose to drink after your boat trip.

4. Use the life jackets

   It’s not enough to just keep your life jackets on board, you and the other people on board have to wear them.

5. Pre-departure checklist

   Make sure that you have everything that you need and that every single piece on your boat is working properly. You can do that by using a pre-departure checklist.

6. The float plan

   Having a float plan means that you have to inform a family member or staff at your local marina when, where and how long your boat trip will take. A float plan usually includes the name, address, and phone number of trip leader, name and phone number of all passengers, trip itinerary, boat type and registration information and types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

7. Check the weather

   Before departure you should always check the local weather conditions. No matter what type of source of information are you using (TV, radio), seeing darkening clouds, rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature is not a good sign and you should postpone your trip.

8. Use your common sense

   Using your common sense means that you are always operating at a safe speed, staying alert at all times and having all the navigational aids needed on board.

Have a safe trip!